Hi,

To resolve this matter, you can put the attributes in WebGridCells' CustomAttributes. However with the code that you used before, the attributes can only be accessed in server side because it won't be rendered in client-side. Just like you though, the attributes that you put in server-side won't be rendered in client-side. Here's the walkthrough how to put the value inside WebGridCell level:

http://www.intersoftpt.com/Support/WebGrid/KB/Use-more-than-one-hidden-field-in-both-server-and-client-side-of-WebGrid/

Although, if you only want to use single custom attribute, it will be better if you're using HiddenField that contains string of your customAttributes. Is there any scenario that you want to achieve regarding this custom attributes? Look forward to hear any feedback from you so I can help you further.

Regards,
Bernard

What I want to do is be able to set a customer html attribute to the root element in the grid. 

<div data-customattribute="...">

This div being the root element for the grid

</div>

This would allow me to set my own custom attributes that I would use in other clientside scripts that I use throughout my application.