diff --git a/tailbone/grids/core.py b/tailbone/grids/core.py
index 72964845..044d2302 100644
--- a/tailbone/grids/core.py
+++ b/tailbone/grids/core.py
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ class Grid(object):
         self.enums = enums or {}
 
         self.labels = labels or {}
-        self.renderers = renderers or {}
+        self.renderers = self.make_default_renderers(renderers or {})
         self.extra_row_class = extra_row_class
         self.linked_columns = linked_columns or []
         self.url = url
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ class Grid(object):
             column_formats['checkbox'] = self.checkbox_column_format
 
         if self.renderers:
-            kwargs['renderers'] = self.make_webhelpers_grid_renderers()
+            kwargs['renderers'] = self.renderers
         if self.extra_row_class:
             kwargs['extra_record_class'] = self.extra_row_class
         if self.linked_columns:
@@ -325,16 +325,15 @@ class Grid(object):
                                           if key not in self.sorters])
         return grid
 
-    def make_webhelpers_grid_renderers(self):
+    def make_default_renderers(self, renderers):
         """
-        Return a dict of renderers for the webhelpers grid.  We honor any
-        existing renderers which have already been set, but then we also try to
-        supplement that by auto-assigning renderers based on underlying column
-        type.  Note that this special logic only applies to grids with a valid
-        :attr:`model_class`.
-        """
-        renderers = dict(self.renderers)
+        Make the default set of column renderers for the grid.
 
+        We honor any existing renderers which have already been set, but then
+        we also try to supplement that by auto-assigning renderers based on
+        underlying column type.  Note that this special logic only applies to
+        grids with a valid :attr:`model_class`.
+        """
         if self.model_class:
             mapper = orm.class_mapper(self.model_class)
             for prop in mapper.iterate_properties: