Timber storage was a difficult foundation of naval shipbuilding

Which part of age-of-sail shipbuilding infrastructure was most difficult to establish?

Timber storage, because yards needed vast, dry, well-ventilated reserves that could season safely without creating a fire hazard.

Age-of-sail naval infrastructure began long before a keel reached the slipway. Large stocks of timber had to season for extended periods so that ships were not built from unsuitable green wood. Storage needed to keep rain and ground moisture away while allowing air to circulate. Ventilation also reduced the buildup of combustible dust in a site already holding enormous fuel loads. Creating that safe, durable reserve made timber storage one of the hardest facilities for a new naval yard to establish.