Grid beam is a modular, reusable building system that is fast, easy, affordable and virtually goof-proof. Ordinary people, with few skills and even fewer tools (all you need is a wrench!) can tackle projects ranging from furniture and shop benches to more ambitious projects like wind turbines, truck racks, small buildings--even electric vehicles.

Grid beam's modular pieces and bolt-together construction make the system fast and straightforward to work with. It has all the advantages of an industrial building system: standard, modular sizes; uniform materials; and interchangeable parts. Projects knock flat and are easy to transport. Since the pieces can be used over and over again, grid beam is easy both on your wallet and on the environment -- the authors have been using some of their components for over 30 years.

How to Build with Grid Beam includes hundreds of photos of real projects built over a 60-year period, showing the many uses of grid beam, from shelves for college students to projects involving alternative energy. The versatility of grid beam is inspiring, for beginners, more experienced do-it-yourselfers, and innovators who will develop their own designs. Even school-age children can use grid beam to build simple projects.

Phil Jergenson is an innovator who built the first grid beam vehicle.

Phil Jergenson's profile page

Richard Jergenson was one of the builders of the world's first solar-electric rail vehicle, the Sol Train. The Whole Earth Catalog and Mother Earth News fueled his life-long interests in technology, energy, transportation (especially railroads), and alternative lifestyles. Richard has been grid beaming since 1977.

Richard Jergenson's profile page

Wilma Keppel is a writer and editor who is also a welder, carpenter and grid beam builder.

Wilma Keppel's profile page