I am building a simple solid cherry night stand. I was planning on attaching the top directly to the side panels using dowels. (Both the sides and top are solid cherry). After doing some research, I am now not sure this is a good idea, as it might not allow for wood movement on the top. The reason I thought that using dowels would be good, is that it would ensure a tight fit of the top to the sides. Should I really use something like the figure 8 clips or a tongue and groove blocks?
I have attached a sketchup drawing for visual reference.
TIA.
Earl