Charcoal Kiln
production
Burns firewood into charcoal (about 1 firewood to 2 charcoal), the fuel for smelting iron.
- Inputs
- timber
- Outputs
- charcoal
Footprint sizes in Manor Lordsvary by patch and (for burgage plots) by how you draw them in-game. Use the planner's drag-to-size tool to match what you see on your map — we don't hardcode any dimensions here.
Where to place the charcoal kiln
- •Place it near your firewood supply (a woodcutter’s lodge), since it consumes firewood to make charcoal.
- •Position it close to where charcoal is used, typically the iron-smelting chain, to keep the fuel flowing.
- •Keep it on the industrial edge of town rather than among homes, since the smoke and clutter hurt nearby desirability.
- •Group it with your firewood and smelting buildings on a shared road so firewood in and charcoal out move efficiently.
- •Leave a little spacing so you can add a second kiln if iron demand outpaces a single one.
Strategy & timing
- •Build it once you commit to iron working, since charcoal is the fuel that makes smelting possible.
- •Balance kiln count against your firewood supply and iron demand; too many kilns will drain your fuel.
- •Sequence it right after a reliable logging camp and before or alongside your smelting buildings.
- •Watch firewood consumption, since charcoal production competes with heating and trade for the same firewood.
Common mistakes
- ×Building it far from both the wood source and the smelter, creating long hauls on both ends.
- ×Running too many kilns and draining the firewood you also need for heating and trade.
- ×Placing it next to housing and dragging down residential desirability with smoke.
Related buildings
Frequently asked
What is charcoal used for?
It's the fuel for smelting iron into workable metal, which then feeds tool and weapon production. The iron chain can't run without it.
Where should I place a charcoal kiln?
Near your firewood supply and close to the smelting buildings, on the industrial side of town away from dense housing to avoid desirability penalties.
How many charcoal kilns do I need?
Enough to keep your smelting fed without starving your town of firewood. Scale kiln count to your iron demand and available firewood, adding more only as needed.