The piece is made of Catalpa wood. The pedistal base is 2.5" dia. and the cup wall thickness is 1/8". This medium soft wood turns well and is very durable. Sanded to 400 grit and #0000 steel wool. The inside is polished with a lemon wax to be food safe and must be maintained. Finished with sanding sealer and then buffed with the Beal system and Carnauba wax.