Walk into the showroom at the intersection of Contee Road and Route 1 in Laurel, and the first thing that hits you isn't just the smell of fresh rubber. It’s the sheer scale. We’re talking wheels that look like they belong on a lunar rover, shimmering chrome that could blind a low-flying pilot, and the kind of bass that you don’t just hear—you feel it in your molars. This is House of Dubs Maryland, a shop that has managed to survive the fickle trends of car culture for over two decades.
Most businesses in the "aftermarket" world pop up, sell a few sets of cheap spinners, and vanish when the lease is up. Not this place. Founded in 2001 by Kevin Henson, House of Dubs basically grew up alongside the very culture it services. Back then, "dubs" meant 20-inch wheels. Today? If you aren't rocking 24s or 30s, you’re barely in the conversation.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Dubs"
There’s a common misconception that "dub" culture is just about being loud and flashy for the sake of it. Honestly, it’s deeper. The term itself is shorthand for "double dimes"—slang for 20-inch rims. When Henson started out, getting 20s on a car was a massive engineering feat. You had to cut fenders. You had to pray the suspension didn't snap.
Now, even a factory Toyota Sienna rolls off the lot with 20s. The goalposts moved.
At House of Dubs Maryland, the "look at me" era of the early 2000s has shifted toward what Henson calls "functional luxury." It’s less about neon underglow and more about high-end finishes, matte wraps, and lifted stances. They’ve become one of the East Coast’s primary hubs for Hummer H2 customization and high-end truck builds.
The Services: It's Not Just Rims
If you think they just bolt on wheels and call it a day, you haven't been paying attention. The Laurel shop is a full-scale surgery center for vehicles. They handle the stuff most mechanics won't touch because it's too risky or too custom.
- Window Tinting: They use computer-cut films (Viper, Suntek, Global) so there’s no "hand-cut" jaggedness around the edges.
- Audio and Video: We aren't just talking about a new head unit. They do custom fiberglass enclosures, amps that could power a small concert, and monitors mounted in places you didn’t know had space—like sun visors or trunk lids.
- Vehicle Wraps: This is a big one lately. Instead of a $10,000 paint job that ruins your resale value, people are opting for color-change wraps or commercial graphics. They’re part of "The Wrap Society," which is basically the Ivy League for vinyl installers.
- Security & Automation: Remote starts and high-end alarm systems are a staple here, especially given the "investment" parked on those 26-inch Forgiatos.
Why the Location Matters
Being situated at 13603 Baltimore Ave in Laurel puts them right in the middle of the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) corridor. It’s a strategic spot. You’ve got people coming down from Baltimore and up from the District, all looking for that specific "HOD" signature.
The shop stays open until 7:00 PM on weekdays, which is a nod to the fact that their clientele usually works long hours to afford these upgrades. Customization isn't cheap. It’s an aspirational hobby. When you’re dropping five figures on a set of wheels, you want to be able to visit the shop after your 9-to-5.
The Reality Check: Maintenance and Maryland Roads
Let’s be real for a second. Driving a car with 30-inch wheels in Maryland is an extreme sport. Between the potholes on I-95 and the "surprise" construction in Prince George’s County, those rims take a beating.
House of Dubs knows this. They actually offer wheel and rim repair, dealing with everything from "curb rash" to minor bends caused by potholes. They live here too; they know the roads are trash. This local knowledge is probably why they've outlasted the big-box retailers. They understand that a Maryland "dub" owner needs a different suspension setup than someone cruising the flat, glassy roads of Miami.
Is It Worth the Hype?
There are plenty of shops where you can get tires. But House of Dubs Maryland isn't a tire shop. It’s a design studio. They’ve partnered with leasing companies like Acima to make the high costs more manageable, which has opened the door for younger enthusiasts to get into the game without needing $5,000 in cash upfront.
The "dub" scene has changed. It's more about the "Donk" (classic 70s Caprices or Impalas) and lifted Raptors now than it is about slammed Escalades. But the core remains: making a vehicle that looks like nothing else on the road.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Build
If you're thinking about taking the plunge into custom wheels or a full wrap, don't just wing it.
- Measure Your Clearance: If you’re going over 22 inches, ask the techs specifically about "rubbing." You don't want to hear your tires screaming every time you make a U-turn.
- Check Your Warranty: Window tints at House of Dubs usually come with a lifetime warranty. Make sure you get that paperwork; Maryland sun and salt can be brutal on cheap film.
- Audit Your Power: If you’re adding a massive audio system, ask if your alternator can handle it. Most people forget that big bass requires big juice.
- Visit the Showroom: Photos on Instagram don't do justice to wheel finishes. Go to the Laurel location and see the difference between "brushed," "polished," and "powder-coated" in person.