Conversion and Processing Between the locations of the resources and the consumption, the woodfuels are converted and processed at several stages. At the resource site, wood is cut, split, and bundled. Bundle sizes can vary greatly depending on the area and the end-user. Bundles can also be re-packed at intermediate stages of the trade. Small industries usually prefer larger pieces of wood and buy in larger quantities than households.
Larger industries purchase wood in bulk by weight of volume measures.
Kilns used for charcoal making vary in size and type. They are often of the temporary type such as earth pit kilns and earth mound kilns, because wood supplies at one location are often temporary and small. In some cases, charcoal is made near the home of charcoal producers where it is easier to control the carbonization process. Wood used for charcoal making is generally of larger size than fuelwood, and may consist of all types of wood such as tree trunks, stumps and roots. After production, charcoal is packed in bags or baskets for transport.