[djmcmath]

In the past, if I wanted to hang a shelf, I usually put the drywall up first, then put the supporting 2x6 on over the sheetrock. I'd say that the hassle associated with cutting the 'rock wasn't worth the marginal extra strength gained from hanging it closer to the studs. Your plan ought to work just as well, though.

Just out of curiousity, you make it sound like someone else is doing the sheetrock -- why aren't you doing it yourself?

Dan