The raw material wood is taken to pieces because of the high temperature in the pile: carbon is released. This process is called dry distillation. By proficient opening and closing of air holes the burning of the wood is prevented. In the beginning water vaporizes. With the rising temperature the gasiform components in the wood evaporate. 

From 100kg wood up to 20kg charcoal can be produced. Correspondingly about 250kg charcoal can be obtained from one cubic metre of solid timber.

The charcoal pile is put up on level ground. In the middle a shaft consisting of a few poles is built. The poles are embedded into the earth and bound together. Around it the wood is carefully stacked. The pieces of - predominantly beech - wood have a length of about one metre and they are about 12cm thick. 

Over it a layer of leaves, straw or hay is spread. In order to seal it airtight the whole construction is covered with earth.

Now the pile can be lighted. The burner’s pouring glowing charcoal down the shaft does it. During the first days the shaft is continually refilled with dry wood and glowing coal. The burner who pierces little holes into the layer of earth and seals them again controls the burning.

The colour of the smoke informs him about the carbonisation – bluish smoke is an indication for too much oxygen.
During the process of carbonisation the pile shrinks to one third of its original size. To close unnecessary hollow spaces, the burner beats on the roof with a ponuder; he has to be present night and day. At least all three hours the pile has to be controlled and regulated.
The whole process takes from 2 to 4 weeks – depending on the size of the pile. When the coal is ready, the pile is uncovered bit by bit and the coal is raked outwards.

In the course of this work fires have to be extinguished continually, to prevent the coal glowing in places from burning.

The hot coal cools down in metal boxes that are covered with charcoal dust. Because of this device atmospheric humidity can’t enter and the customer receives charcoal of good quality.