The Clock needs a new battery and the Thermometer does not seem to be accurate however I am unsure how to resolve this. I'm not sure of the type of Wood, but it is reddish in color with the stain and very smooth and shiny. There is one chip in the wood as pictured but it is on the back side. The bottom has a thin layer of foam to help prevent scratching. Still a beautiful piece to have on a shelf of books!