Builder Spotlight: Touchstone Fireplace Feedback from Accent Wall Designs Arizona

When developing new electric fireplace products and features, we especially focus on the feedback from the Touchstone for Pros® community. Builders and remodelers install fireplaces every day and have unique insight about how Touchstone® electric fireplaces compare with other brands. Accent Wall Designs in Scottsdale, Arizona is a building company that often includes Touchstone fireplaces in their projects. Owner Chris shares his experience with Touchstone's new electric fireplace collections.

“We have been in business since January 2023,” Owner Chris Betteridge says about the start of Accent Wall Designs. “I have always been the DIY type, and am often asked to do projects for friends and family, or for contractor referrals, so I decided to see if I could monetize it to make a little extra cash, and it has blossomed from there.”

Touchstone Sideline Elite 60 Smart Electric Fireplace, @accentwalldesigns

His business thrives by prioritizing customers’ goals and bringing their visions to life.

“We do not claim to be designers, so we typically ask for our customers to send us some inspiration photos of what they like, and then help them customize a design that best fits their space. We do free in-person design consults and help our customers achieve their dream build.”

Why This Pro Prefers the Touchstone® Brand

Scroll through Chris’s extensive gallery of projects and you’ll find that a vast majority of his media walls feature Touchstone electric fireplaces.

One of the main reasons Chris chooses to work with Touchstone is the excellent customer service.

“The customer service I have received from the beginning was second to none. I like to work with and support companies who are filled with good people, and I could tell immediately that Touchstone was one of those.”

Touchstone Sideline Elite® Pro 72 Smart Electric Fireplace, @accentwalldesigns

He also prefers Touchstone fireplaces because they have a high-quality appearance and are easy to install.

“The fireplaces are the most realistic looking of any I've installed, or seen others install, and the overall design on the Sideline Elite, Pro and Fury (that I use primarily) look 10x better than most others on the market with the thin bezels and large fire viewing areas. I was shocked how easy it was to install the first time I ever installed one, and that makes a big difference.”

Chris first discovered Touchstone through a social media post.

“I saw a media wall build that someone posted on Instagram, and when I decided to give it a shot at my house, I found their photos on Instagram and saw they used a Touchstone® electric fireplace. I did a little research and decided to buy one. I loved it so much, I started offering to do electric fireplace buildouts for customers using Touchstone fireplaces.”

Electric Fireplaces vs Gas or Wood-burning Fireplaces

Chris primarily chooses to work with electric fireplaces because of their simple installation, ability to display flames without the heat, easy activation/control, and modern aesthetic. 

“The simplicity of the electric versus having to run gas lines, or flues, and everything else that's required for gas or wood-burning wouldn't fit my business model right now,” he said. “We are in Arizona, so no one is installing a fireplace for heat, and all of our customers love the simplicity of pushing a button to turn on their electric fireplace, which looks awesome, but does not heat up their house any more than it already is! The electric fireplaces give a more modern look that most of our customers are going for these days.”

Touchstone Sideline Fury 65 Smart Electric Fireplace, @accentwalldesigns

The Perfect Size For a TV Accent Wall: The Sideline Fury®

Ideal for media accent walls, the Touchstone Sideline Fury® Smart Electric Fireplace collection is specifically designed to match the most popular TV sizes.

“The Fury is great for getting the exact width of fireplace to TV ratio,” Chris comments about the Sideline Fury. “Since it comes in in-between sizes, it is perfect when you're trying to match up fireplace and TV sizes.”

Sideline Elite® Pro 60 Smart Electric Fireplaces, @accentwalldesigns

New Sideline Elite Pro Series: "Vibrant, Realistic 3D Look"

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro® Smart Electric Fireplace collection launched in late 2024, and Accent Wall Designs was one of the first professionals to install the new models.

Chris shares his honest feedback about the new Elite Pro series: "The simplest to install yet, and SO many awesome new features! Too many to list, but some of my favorites are the addition of down lights, built-in crackling speakers, black crystals, charred driftwood and a mirrored back panel...The vibrant realistic 3D look of the Pro flames is amazing at night...The down light gives the whole room a glow that the other models do not, and there are so many different color options to play with.”

Chris offers insight into his remodeling business: “I love two things the most, the customer's reaction to seeing their completed build, and the sense of satisfaction when we complete a job... Seeing the finished product makes you forget all the hours and hard work that you put into it, and all of the little mistakes or issues along the way, and gets you excited to start the next project.”

The team at Touchstone Home Products truly values our community of professional builders, remodelers and designers. As a business, it is inspiring to see these pros prioritize customer satisfaction and quality work featuring products that enhance their craftsmanship. We are proud to see the Touchstone TS brand logo in well made, beautiful accent walls across the country.

Learn more about Accent Wall Designs, Scottsdale Arizona

You Might Also Like: 

Is the Sideline Elite Pro Electric Fireplace Series Best For Me?

How the Touchstone Sideline Fury Smart Electric Fireplace Compares

TV Over Fireplace How To: The Best Electric Fireplace Size For Your TV

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Photo and video credits, Accent Wall Designs Scottsdale, AZ