Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Aug 21, 2006 10:31pm | #1

   If you can anchor to the drywall top securely with const. adhesive or a toggle bolt, you can use  sliding dovetail keyways on the drywall, female part under the oak.

   Good luck.

    

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Aug 21, 2006 11:37pm | #2

   Why not make the top from oak plywood, with solid wood edgebanding.  Then you can just use finishing nails to secure the wood through the drywall into the framing.  In fact you would probably get away with just nailing a solid wood top.  The drywall will let the nails give to accommodate the movement, though 30" would be larger than I would really be comfortable with. 

3. 
   cwalvoord | Aug 22, 2006 12:06am | #3

   Thanks for the suggestions.

   Jackplane - good idea, a sliding dovetail keyway would certainly work although alignment would be tricky.

   SteveSchoene - I agree plywood with edging would be easier but made the tops out of oak I salvaged from a fireplace mantle that was original to the house. It is pretty, old wood and I like the idea of keeping it in the house.

   The top is only 9 inches wide across the grain (30 inches off the floor, 24 in long and 1 in thick) so I probably could get away with just nailing it. I wanted to try to keep the back edge flush to the wall and force any movement to the overhanging lip where it would not be noticed.