diff --git a/src/wuttaweb/grids/base.py b/src/wuttaweb/grids/base.py
index 48117e0..ce4f8f8 100644
--- a/src/wuttaweb/grids/base.py
+++ b/src/wuttaweb/grids/base.py
@@ -288,6 +288,28 @@ class Grid:
        Set of columns declared as searchable for the Vue component.
 
        See also :meth:`set_searchable()` and :meth:`is_searchable()`.
+
+    .. attribute:: filterable
+
+       Boolean indicating whether the grid should show a "filters"
+       section where user can filter data in various ways.  Default is
+       ``False``.
+
+    .. attribute:: filters
+
+       Dict of :class:`~wuttaweb.grids.filters.GridFilter` instances
+       available for use with backend filtering.
+
+       Only relevant if :attr:`filterable` is true.
+
+       See also :meth:`set_filter()`.
+
+    .. attribute:: joiners
+
+       Dict of "joiner" functions for use with backend filtering and
+       sorting.
+
+       See :meth:`set_joiner()` for more info.
     """
 
     def __init__(
@@ -313,6 +335,9 @@ class Grid:
             pagesize=None,
             page=1,
             searchable_columns=None,
+            filterable=False,
+            filters=None,
+            joiners=None,
     ):
         self.request = request
         self.vue_tagname = vue_tagname
@@ -323,6 +348,7 @@ class Grid:
         self.renderers = renderers or {}
         self.actions = actions or []
         self.linked_columns = linked_columns or []
+        self.joiners = joiners or {}
 
         self.config = self.request.wutta_config
         self.app = self.config.get_app()
@@ -354,6 +380,15 @@ class Grid:
         # searching
         self.searchable_columns = set(searchable_columns or [])
 
+        # filtering
+        self.filterable = filterable
+        if filters is not None:
+            self.filters = filters
+        elif self.filterable:
+            self.filters = self.make_backend_filters()
+        else:
+            self.filters = {}
+
     def get_columns(self):
         """
         Returns the official list of column names for the grid, or
@@ -442,7 +477,7 @@ class Grid:
             if key in self.columns:
                 self.columns.remove(key)
 
-    def set_label(self, key, label):
+    def set_label(self, key, label, column_only=False):
         """
         Set/override the label for a column.
 
@@ -450,11 +485,18 @@ class Grid:
 
         :param label: New label for the column header.
 
+        :param column_only: Boolean indicating whether the label
+           should be applied *only* to the column header (if
+           ``True``), vs.  applying also to the filter (if ``False``).
+
         See also :meth:`get_label()`.  Label overrides are tracked via
         :attr:`labels`.
         """
         self.labels[key] = label
 
+        if not column_only and key in self.filters:
+            self.filters[key].label = label
+
     def get_label(self, key):
         """
         Returns the label text for a given column.
@@ -582,6 +624,63 @@ class Grid:
         """
         self.actions.append(GridAction(self.request, key, **kwargs))
 
+    ##############################
+    # joining methods
+    ##############################
+
+    def set_joiner(self, key, joiner):
+        """
+        Set/override the backend joiner for a column.
+
+        A "joiner" is sometimes needed when a column with "related but
+        not primary" data is involved in a sort or filter operation.
+
+        A sorter or filter may need to "join" other table(s) to get at
+        the appropriate data.  But if a given column has both a sorter
+        and filter defined, and both are used at the same time, we
+        don't want the join to happen twice.
+
+        Hence we track joiners separately, also keyed by column name
+        (as are sorters and filters).  When a column's sorter **and/or**
+        filter is needed, the joiner will be invoked.
+
+        :param key: Name of column.
+
+        :param joiner: A joiner callable, as described below.
+
+        A joiner callable must accept just one ``(data)`` arg and
+        return the "joined" data/query, for example::
+
+           model = app.model
+           grid = Grid(request, model_class=model.Person)
+
+           def join_external_profile_value(query):
+               return query.join(model.ExternalProfile)
+
+           def sort_external_profile(query, direction):
+              sortspec = getattr(model.ExternalProfile.description, direction)
+              return query.order_by(sortspec())
+
+           grid.set_joiner('external_profile', join_external_profile)
+           grid.set_sorter('external_profile', sort_external_profile)
+
+        See also :meth:`remove_joiner()`.  Backend joiners are tracked
+        via :attr:`joiners`.
+        """
+        self.joiners[key] = joiner
+
+    def remove_joiner(self, key):
+        """
+        Remove the backend joiner for a column.
+
+        Note that this removes the joiner *function*, so there is no
+        way to apply joins for this column unless another joiner is
+        later defined for it.
+
+        See also :meth:`set_joiner()`.
+        """
+        self.joiners.pop(key, None)
+
     ##############################
     # sorting methods
     ##############################
@@ -883,6 +982,120 @@ class Grid:
             return key in self.sorters
         return True
 
+    ##############################
+    # filtering methods
+    ##############################
+
+    def make_backend_filters(self, filters=None):
+        """
+        Make backend filters for all columns in the grid.
+
+        This is called by the constructor, if :attr:`filterable` is
+        true.
+
+        For each column in the grid, this checks the provided
+        ``filters`` and if the column is not yet in there, will call
+        :meth:`make_filter()` to add it.
+
+        .. note::
+
+           This only works if grid has a :attr:`model_class`.  If not,
+           this method just returns the initial filters (or empty
+           dict).
+
+        :param filters: Optional dict of initial filters.  Any
+           existing filters will be left intact, not replaced.
+
+        :returns: Final dict of all filters.  Includes any from the
+           initial ``filters`` param as well as any which were
+           created.
+        """
+        filters = filters or {}
+
+        if self.model_class:
+            for key in self.columns:
+                if key in filters:
+                    continue
+                prop = getattr(self.model_class, key, None)
+                if (prop and hasattr(prop, 'property')
+                    and isinstance(prop.property, orm.ColumnProperty)):
+                    filters[prop.key] = self.make_filter(prop)
+
+        return filters
+
+    def make_filter(self, columninfo, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Creates and returns a
+        :class:`~wuttaweb.grids.filters.GridFilter` instance suitable
+        for use as a backend filter on the given column.
+
+        .. warning::
+
+           This method is not yet implemented; subclass *must*
+           override.
+
+        Code usually does not need to call this directly.  See also
+        :meth:`set_filter()`, which calls this method automatically.
+
+        :param columninfo: Can be either a model property (see below),
+           or a column name.
+
+        :returns: A :class:`~wuttaweb.grids.filters.GridFilter`
+           instance suitable for backend sorting.
+        """
+        if isinstance(columninfo, str):
+            key = columninfo
+        else:
+            model_property = columninfo
+            key = model_property.key
+
+        return GridFilter(self.request, key, **kwargs)
+
+    def set_filter(self, key, filterinfo=None, **kwargs):
+        """
+        Set/override the backend filter for a column.
+
+        Only relevant if :attr:`filterable` is true.
+
+        :param key: Name of column.
+
+        :param filterinfo: Can be either a
+           :class:`~wuttweb.grids.filters.GridFilter` instance, or
+           else a model property (see below).
+
+        If ``filterinfo`` is a ``GridFilter`` instance, it will be
+        used as-is for the backend filter.
+
+        Otherwise :meth:`make_filter()` will be called to obtain the
+        backend filter.  The ``filterinfo`` will be passed along to
+        that call; if it is empty then ``key`` will be used instead.
+
+        See also :meth:`remove_filter()`.  Backend filters are tracked
+        via :attr:`filters`.
+        """
+        filtr = None
+
+        if filterinfo and callable(filterinfo):
+            # filtr = filterinfo
+            raise NotImplementedError
+        else:
+            kwargs.setdefault('label', self.get_label(key))
+            filtr = self.make_filter(filterinfo or key, **kwargs)
+
+        self.filters[key] = filtr
+
+    def remove_filter(self, key):
+        """
+        Remove the backend filter for a column.
+
+        This removes the filter *instance*, so there is no way to
+        filter by this column unless another filter is later defined
+        for it.
+
+        See also :meth:`set_filter()`.
+        """
+        self.filters.pop(key, None)
+
     ##############################
     # paging methods
     ##############################
@@ -973,6 +1186,11 @@ class Grid:
 
         # initial default settings
         settings = {}
+        if self.filterable:
+            for filtr in self.filters.values():
+                settings[f'filter.{filtr.key}.active'] = filtr.default_active
+                settings[f'filter.{filtr.key}.verb'] = filtr.default_verb
+                settings[f'filter.{filtr.key}.value'] = filtr.default_value
         if self.sortable:
             if self.sort_defaults:
                 # nb. as of writing neither Buefy nor Oruga support a
@@ -987,14 +1205,35 @@ class Grid:
             settings['pagesize'] = self.pagesize
             settings['page'] = self.page
 
+        # TODO
+        # # If user has default settings on file, apply those first.
+        # if self.user_has_defaults():
+        #     self.apply_user_defaults(settings)
+
+        # TODO
+        # # If request contains instruction to reset to default filters, then we
+        # # can skip the rest of the request/session checks.
+        # if self.request.GET.get('reset-to-default-filters') == 'true':
+        #     pass
+
         # update settings dict based on what we find in the request
         # and/or user session.  always prioritize the former.
 
-        if self.request_has_settings('sort'):
+        if self.request_has_settings('filter'):
+            self.update_filter_settings(settings, src='request')
+            if self.request_has_settings('sort'):
+                self.update_sort_settings(settings, src='request')
+            else:
+                self.update_sort_settings(settings, src='session')
+            self.update_page_settings(settings)
+
+        elif self.request_has_settings('sort'):
+            self.update_filter_settings(settings, src='session')
             self.update_sort_settings(settings, src='request')
             self.update_page_settings(settings)
 
         elif self.request_has_settings('page'):
+            self.update_filter_settings(settings, src='session')
             self.update_sort_settings(settings, src='session')
             self.update_page_settings(settings)
 
@@ -1003,6 +1242,7 @@ class Grid:
             persist = False
 
             # but still should load whatever is in user session
+            self.update_filter_settings(settings, src='session')
             self.update_sort_settings(settings, src='session')
             self.update_page_settings(settings)
 
@@ -1010,8 +1250,21 @@ class Grid:
         if persist:
             self.persist_settings(settings, dest='session')
 
+        # TODO
+        # # If request contained instruction to save current settings as defaults
+        # # for the current user, then do that.
+        # if self.request.GET.get('save-current-filters-as-defaults') == 'true':
+        #     self.persist_settings(settings, dest='defaults')
+
         # update ourself to reflect settings dict..
 
+        # filtering
+        if self.filterable:
+            for filtr in self.filters.values():
+                filtr.active = settings[f'filter.{filtr.key}.active']
+                filtr.verb = settings[f'filter.{filtr.key}.verb']
+                filtr.value = settings[f'filter.{filtr.key}.value']
+
         # sorting
         if self.sortable:
             # nb. doing this for frontend sorting also
@@ -1036,11 +1289,18 @@ class Grid:
     def request_has_settings(self, typ):
         """ """
 
-        if typ == 'sort':
+        if typ == 'filter' and self.filterable:
+            for filtr in self.filters.values():
+                if filtr.key in self.request.GET:
+                    return True
+            if 'filter' in self.request.GET: # user may be applying empty filters
+                return True
+
+        elif typ == 'sort' and self.sortable and self.sort_on_backend:
             if 'sort1key' in self.request.GET:
                 return True
 
-        elif typ == 'page':
+        elif typ == 'page' and self.paginated and self.paginate_on_backend:
             for key in ['pagesize', 'page']:
                 if key in self.request.GET:
                     return True
@@ -1072,6 +1332,31 @@ class Grid:
         # okay then, default it is
         return default
 
+    def update_filter_settings(self, settings, src=None):
+        """ """
+        if not self.filterable:
+            return
+
+        for filtr in self.filters.values():
+            prefix = f'filter.{filtr.key}'
+
+            if src == 'request':
+                # consider filter active if query string contains a value for it
+                settings[f'{prefix}.active'] = filtr.key in self.request.GET
+                settings[f'{prefix}.verb'] = self.get_setting(
+                    settings, f'{filtr.key}.verb', src='request', default='')
+                settings[f'{prefix}.value'] = self.get_setting(
+                    settings, filtr.key, src='request', default='')
+
+            elif src == 'session':
+                settings[f'{prefix}.active'] = self.get_setting(
+                    settings, f'{prefix}.active', src='session',
+                    normalize=lambda v: str(v).lower() == 'true', default=False)
+                settings[f'{prefix}.verb'] = self.get_setting(
+                    settings, f'{prefix}.verb', src='session', default='')
+                settings[f'{prefix}.value'] = self.get_setting(
+                    settings, f'{prefix}.value', src='session', default='')
+
     def update_sort_settings(self, settings, src=None):
         """ """
         if not (self.sortable and self.sort_on_backend):
@@ -1138,8 +1423,18 @@ class Grid:
             skey = f'grid.{self.key}.{key}'
             self.request.session[skey] = value(key)
 
+        # filter settings
+        if self.filterable:
+
+            # always save all filters, with status
+            for filtr in self.filters.values():
+                persist(f'filter.{filtr.key}.active',
+                        value=lambda k: 'true' if settings.get(k) else 'false')
+                persist(f'filter.{filtr.key}.verb')
+                persist(f'filter.{filtr.key}.value')
+
         # sort settings
-        if self.sortable:
+        if self.sortable and self.sort_on_backend:
 
             # first must clear all sort settings from dest. this is
             # because number of sort settings will vary, so we delete
@@ -1183,10 +1478,15 @@ class Grid:
 
         See also these methods which may be called by this one:
 
+        * :meth:`filter_data()`
         * :meth:`sort_data()`
         * :meth:`paginate_data()`
         """
         data = self.data or []
+        self.joined = set()
+
+        if self.filterable:
+            data = self.filter_data(data)
 
         if self.sortable and self.sort_on_backend:
             data = self.sort_data(data)
@@ -1197,6 +1497,21 @@ class Grid:
 
         return data
 
+    def filter_data(self, data, filters=None):
+        """
+        Filter the given data and return the result.  This is called
+        by :meth:`get_visible_data()`.
+
+        :param filters: Optional list of filters to use.  If not
+           specified, the grid's "active" filters are used.
+
+        .. warning::
+
+           This method is not yet implemented; subclass *must*
+           override.
+        """
+        raise NotImplementedError
+
     def sort_data(self, data, sorters=None):
         """
         Sort the given data and return the result.  This is called by
@@ -1227,6 +1542,11 @@ class Grid:
             if not sortfunc:
                 return data
 
+            # join appropriate model if needed
+            if sortkey in self.joiners and sortkey not in self.joined:
+                data = self.joiners[sortkey](data)
+                self.joined.add(sortkey)
+
             # invoke the sorter
             data = sortfunc(data, sortdir)
 
@@ -1687,3 +2007,26 @@ class GridAction:
             return self.url(obj, i)
 
         return self.url
+
+
+# TODO: this needs plenty of work yet..and probably will move?
+class GridFilter:
+    """ """
+
+    def __init__(
+            self,
+            request,
+            key,
+            default_active=False,
+            default_verb=None,
+            default_value=None,
+            **kwargs,
+    ):
+        self.request = request
+        self.key = key
+
+        self.default_active = default_active
+        self.default_verb = default_verb
+        self.default_value = default_value
+
+        self.__dict__.update(kwargs)
diff --git a/tests/grids/test_base.py b/tests/grids/test_base.py
index 3598727..3cef14e 100644
--- a/tests/grids/test_base.py
+++ b/tests/grids/test_base.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # -*- coding: utf-8; -*-
 
 from unittest import TestCase
-from unittest.mock import patch
+from unittest.mock import patch, MagicMock
 
 from sqlalchemy import orm
 from paginate import Page
@@ -86,6 +86,32 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
                               sort_multiple=True)
         self.assertFalse(grid.sort_multiple)
 
+    def test_constructor_filtering(self):
+        model = self.app.model
+
+        # defaults, not filterable
+        grid = self.make_grid()
+        self.assertFalse(grid.filterable)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters, {})
+
+        # defaults, filterable
+        grid = self.make_grid(filterable=True)
+        self.assertTrue(grid.filterable)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters, {})
+
+        # filters may be pre-populated
+        with patch.object(mod.Grid, 'make_filter', return_value=42):
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting, filterable=True)
+            self.assertEqual(len(grid.filters), 2)
+            self.assertIn('name', grid.filters)
+            self.assertIn('value', grid.filters)
+
+        # can specify filters
+        grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting, filterable=True,
+                              filters={'name': 42})
+        self.assertTrue(grid.filterable)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters, {'name': 42})
+
     def test_vue_tagname(self):
         grid = self.make_grid()
         self.assertEqual(grid.vue_tagname, 'wutta-grid')
@@ -125,17 +151,28 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(grid.columns, ['one', 'four'])
 
     def test_set_label(self):
-        grid = self.make_grid(columns=['foo', 'bar'])
+        model = self.app.model
+        with patch.object(mod.Grid, 'make_filter'):
+            # nb. filters are MagicMock instances
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting, filterable=True)
         self.assertEqual(grid.labels, {})
 
         # basic
-        grid.set_label('foo', "Foo Fighters")
-        self.assertEqual(grid.labels['foo'], "Foo Fighters")
+        grid.set_label('name', "NAME COL")
+        self.assertEqual(grid.labels['name'], "NAME COL")
 
         # can replace label
-        grid.set_label('foo', "Different")
-        self.assertEqual(grid.labels['foo'], "Different")
-        self.assertEqual(grid.get_label('foo'), "Different")
+        grid.set_label('name', "Different")
+        self.assertEqual(grid.labels['name'], "Different")
+        self.assertEqual(grid.get_label('name'), "Different")
+
+        # can update only column, not filter
+        self.assertEqual(grid.labels, {'name': "Different"})
+        self.assertIn('name', grid.filters)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters['name'].label, "Different")
+        grid.set_label('name', "COLUMN ONLY", column_only=True)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.get_label('name'), "COLUMN ONLY")
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters['name'].label, "Different")
 
     def test_get_label(self):
         grid = self.make_grid(columns=['foo', 'bar'])
@@ -342,20 +379,72 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
         grid.load_settings()
         self.assertEqual(grid.active_sorters, [{'key': 'name', 'dir': 'desc'}])
 
+        # filter settings are loaded, applied, saved
+        grid = self.make_grid(key='settings', model_class=model.Setting,
+                              filterable=True)
+        self.assertEqual(len(grid.filters), 2)
+        self.assertFalse(hasattr(grid.filters['name'], 'active'))
+        self.assertFalse(hasattr(grid.filters['value'], 'active'))
+        self.assertNotIn('grid.settings.filter.name.active', self.request.session)
+        self.assertNotIn('grid.settings.filter.value.active', self.request.session)
+        self.request.GET = {'name': 'john', 'name.verb': 'contains'}
+        grid.load_settings()
+        self.assertTrue(grid.filters['name'].active)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters['name'].verb, 'contains')
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters['name'].value, 'john')
+        self.assertTrue(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.active'])
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.verb'], 'contains')
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.value'], 'john')
+
+        # filter + sort settings are loaded, applied, saved
+        self.request.session.invalidate()
+        grid = self.make_grid(key='settings', model_class=model.Setting,
+                              sortable=True, filterable=True)
+        self.assertEqual(len(grid.filters), 2)
+        self.assertFalse(hasattr(grid.filters['name'], 'active'))
+        self.assertFalse(hasattr(grid.filters['value'], 'active'))
+        self.assertNotIn('grid.settings.filter.name.active', self.request.session)
+        self.assertNotIn('grid.settings.filter.value.active', self.request.session)
+        self.assertNotIn('grid.settings.sorters.length', self.request.session)
+        self.request.GET = {'name': 'john', 'name.verb': 'contains',
+                            'sort1key': 'name', 'sort1dir': 'asc'}
+        grid.load_settings()
+        self.assertTrue(grid.filters['name'].active)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters['name'].verb, 'contains')
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters['name'].value, 'john')
+        self.assertTrue(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.active'])
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.verb'], 'contains')
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.value'], 'john')
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.sorters.length'], 1)
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.sorters.1.key'], 'name')
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.sorters.1.dir'], 'asc')
+
     def test_request_has_settings(self):
-        grid = self.make_grid(key='foo')
+        model = self.app.model
+        grid = self.make_grid(key='settings', model_class=model.Setting)
 
         # paging
         self.assertFalse(grid.request_has_settings('page'))
-        with patch.object(self.request, 'GET', new={'pagesize': '20'}):
-            self.assertTrue(grid.request_has_settings('page'))
-        with patch.object(self.request, 'GET', new={'page': '1'}):
-            self.assertTrue(grid.request_has_settings('page'))
+        with patch.object(grid, 'paginated', new=True):
+            with patch.object(self.request, 'GET', new={'pagesize': '20'}):
+                self.assertTrue(grid.request_has_settings('page'))
+            with patch.object(self.request, 'GET', new={'page': '1'}):
+                self.assertTrue(grid.request_has_settings('page'))
 
         # sorting
         self.assertFalse(grid.request_has_settings('sort'))
-        with patch.object(self.request, 'GET', new={'sort1key': 'name'}):
-            self.assertTrue(grid.request_has_settings('sort'))
+        with patch.object(grid, 'sortable', new=True):
+            with patch.object(self.request, 'GET', new={'sort1key': 'name'}):
+                self.assertTrue(grid.request_has_settings('sort'))
+
+        # filtering
+        grid = self.make_grid(key='settings', model_class=model.Setting, filterable=True)
+        self.assertFalse(grid.request_has_settings('filter'))
+        with patch.object(grid, 'filterable', new=True):
+            with patch.object(self.request, 'GET', new={'name': 'john', 'name.verb': 'contains'}):
+                self.assertTrue(grid.request_has_settings('filter'))
+        with patch.object(self.request, 'GET', new={'filter': '1'}):
+            self.assertTrue(grid.request_has_settings('filter'))
 
     def test_get_setting(self):
         grid = self.make_grid(key='foo')
@@ -400,6 +489,40 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
         value = grid.get_setting(settings, 'pagesize', src='session', normalize=int)
         self.assertEqual(value, 35)
 
+    def test_update_filter_settings(self):
+        model = self.app.model
+
+        # nothing happens if not filterable
+        grid = self.make_grid(key='settings', model_class=model.Setting)
+        settings = {}
+        self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.active'] = True
+        self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.verb'] = 'contains'
+        self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.value'] = 'john'
+        grid.update_filter_settings(settings, src='session')
+        self.assertEqual(settings, {})
+
+        # nb. now use a filterable grid
+        grid = self.make_grid(key='settings', model_class=model.Setting,
+                              filterable=True)
+
+        # settings are updated from session
+        settings = {}
+        self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.active'] = True
+        self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.verb'] = 'contains'
+        self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.value'] = 'john'
+        grid.update_filter_settings(settings, src='session')
+        self.assertTrue(settings['filter.name.active'])
+        self.assertEqual(settings['filter.name.verb'], 'contains')
+        self.assertEqual(settings['filter.name.value'], 'john')
+
+        # settings are updated from request
+        self.request.GET = {'value': 'sally', 'value.verb': 'contains'}
+        grid.update_filter_settings(settings, src='request')
+        self.assertFalse(settings['filter.name.active'])
+        self.assertTrue(settings['filter.value.active'])
+        self.assertEqual(settings['filter.value.verb'], 'contains')
+        self.assertEqual(settings['filter.value.value'], 'sally')
+
     def test_update_sort_settings(self):
         model = self.app.model
 
@@ -510,6 +633,25 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
         self.assertNotIn('grid.settings.sorters.2.key', self.request.session)
         self.assertNotIn('grid.settings.sorters.2.dir', self.request.session)
 
+        # nb. now switch to filterable-only grid
+        grid = self.make_grid(key='settings', model_class=model.Setting,
+                              filterable=True)
+        self.assertIn('name', grid.filters)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.filters['name'].key, 'name')
+
+        # no error if empty settings; does not save values
+        grid.persist_settings({}, dest='session')
+        self.assertNotIn('grid.settings.filters.name', self.request.session)
+
+        # provided values are saved
+        grid.persist_settings({'filter.name.active': True,
+                               'filter.name.verb': 'contains',
+                               'filter.name.value': 'john'},
+                              dest='session')
+        self.assertTrue(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.active'])
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.verb'], 'contains')
+        self.assertEqual(self.request.session['grid.settings.filter.name.value'], 'john')
+
     ##############################
     # sorting methods
     ##############################
@@ -629,6 +771,23 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
         sorted_data = sorter(sample_data, 'asc')
         self.assertEqual(dict(sorted_data[0]), {'name': 'foo1', 'value': 'ONE'})
 
+    def test_set_joiner(self):
+
+        # basic
+        grid = self.make_grid(columns=['foo', 'bar'], sortable=True, sort_on_backend=True)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.joiners, {})
+        grid.set_joiner('foo', 42)
+        self.assertEqual(grid.joiners, {'foo': 42})
+
+    def test_remove_joiner(self):
+
+        # basic
+        grid = self.make_grid(columns=['foo', 'bar'], sortable=True, sort_on_backend=True,
+                              joiners={'foo': 42})
+        self.assertEqual(grid.joiners, {'foo': 42})
+        grid.remove_joiner('foo')
+        self.assertEqual(grid.joiners, {})
+
     def test_set_sorter(self):
         model = self.app.model
 
@@ -726,6 +885,89 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
         grid.sortable = False
         self.assertFalse(grid.is_sortable('name'))
 
+    def test_make_backend_filters(self):
+        model = self.app.model
+
+        # default is empty
+        grid = self.make_grid()
+        filters = grid.make_backend_filters()
+        self.assertEqual(filters, {})
+
+        # makes filters if model class
+        with patch.object(mod.Grid, 'make_filter'):
+            # nb. filters are MagicMock instances
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting)
+            filters = grid.make_backend_filters()
+        self.assertEqual(len(filters), 2)
+        self.assertIn('name', filters)
+        self.assertIn('value', filters)
+
+        # does not replace supplied filters
+        myfilters = {'value': 42}
+        with patch.object(mod.Grid, 'make_filter'):
+            # nb. filters are MagicMock instances
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting)
+            filters = grid.make_backend_filters(myfilters)
+        self.assertEqual(len(filters), 2)
+        self.assertIn('name', filters)
+        self.assertIn('value', filters)
+        self.assertEqual(filters['value'], 42)
+        self.assertEqual(myfilters['value'], 42)
+
+    def test_make_filter(self):
+        model = self.app.model
+
+        # basic
+        grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting)
+        filtr = grid.make_filter('name')
+        self.assertIsInstance(filtr, mod.GridFilter)
+
+        # property
+        grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting)
+        filtr = grid.make_filter(model.Setting.name)
+        self.assertIsInstance(filtr, mod.GridFilter)
+
+    def test_set_filter(self):
+        model = self.app.model
+
+        with patch.object(mod.Grid, 'make_filter', return_value=42):
+
+            # auto from model property
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting)
+            self.assertEqual(grid.filters, {})
+            grid.set_filter('name', model.Setting.name)
+            self.assertIn('name', grid.filters)
+
+            # auto from column name
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting)
+            self.assertEqual(grid.filters, {})
+            grid.set_filter('name', 'name')
+            self.assertIn('name', grid.filters)
+
+            # auto from key
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting)
+            self.assertEqual(grid.filters, {})
+            grid.set_filter('name')
+            self.assertIn('name', grid.filters)
+
+            # explicit is not yet implemented
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting)
+            self.assertEqual(grid.filters, {})
+            self.assertRaises(NotImplementedError, grid.set_filter, 'name', lambda q: q)
+
+    def test_remove_filter(self):
+        model = self.app.model
+
+        # basics
+        with patch.object(mod.Grid, 'make_filter'):
+            # nb. filters are MagicMock instances
+            grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting, filterable=True)
+        self.assertEqual(len(grid.filters), 2)
+        self.assertIn('name', grid.filters)
+        self.assertIn('value', grid.filters)
+        grid.remove_filter('value')
+        self.assertNotIn('value', grid.filters)
+
     ##############################
     # data methods
     ##############################
@@ -751,14 +993,27 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
         # data is sorted and paginated
         grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting,
                               data=sample_query,
+                              filterable=True,
                               sortable=True, sort_on_backend=True,
                               sort_defaults=('name', 'desc'),
                               paginated=True, paginate_on_backend=True,
                               pagesize=4, page=2)
         grid.load_settings()
-        visible = grid.get_visible_data()
+        # nb. for now the filtering is mocked
+        with patch.object(grid, 'filter_data') as filter_data:
+            filter_data.side_effect = lambda q: q
+            visible = grid.get_visible_data()
+            filter_data.assert_called_once_with(sample_query)
         self.assertEqual([s.name for s in visible], ['foo5', 'foo4', 'foo3', 'foo2'])
 
+    def test_filter_data(self):
+        model = self.app.model
+
+        query = self.session.query(model.Setting)
+        grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.Setting, filterable=True)
+        grid.load_settings()
+        self.assertRaises(NotImplementedError, grid.filter_data, query)
+
     def test_sort_data(self):
         model = self.app.model
         sample_data = [
@@ -827,6 +1082,21 @@ class TestGrid(WebTestCase):
         self.assertEqual(sorted_data[0]['name'], 'foo1')
         self.assertEqual(sorted_data[-1]['name'], 'foo9')
 
+        # now try with a joiner
+        query = self.session.query(model.User)
+        grid = self.make_grid(model_class=model.User,
+                              data=query,
+                              columns=['username', 'full_name'],
+                              sortable=True, sort_on_backend=True,
+                              sort_defaults='full_name',
+                              joiners={
+                                  'full_name': lambda q: q.join(model.Person),
+                              })
+        grid.set_sorter('full_name', model.Person.full_name)
+        grid.load_settings()
+        data = grid.get_visible_data()
+        self.assertIsInstance(data, orm.Query)
+
     def test_paginate_data(self):
         model = self.app.model
         sample_data = [