A couple of months back I was asked by Saal-digital.co.uk if i would like to create a free photobook in return for writing a product review. I was really pleased with the finished result, so when the opportunity arose to trial their wall decor, I naturally jumped at the chance.

Saal produce a variety of photo-based items and, alongside the photobooks and wall art, there is a comprehensive range of gift products, greetings cards and calendars. Products come in a good selection of sizes and finishes, both modern and traditional to suit every need, and they even provide gift boxes, (at an additional cost), for those extra special keepsakes.

The practicalities

As with the photobook I previously purchased, I wanted to look at the same 5 key areas:

• Product range

• Ease of use

• Price

• Delivery

• Quality

Getting started

I've just been on a photo safari, so I had an image in mind for the project and, as I’ve used Saal-digital before, I already had the software installed on my system, making it really easy for me to get started. First-time users can download the necessary software here: Saal-digital.co.uk There is an online order tool for those who prefer to simply upload an image via the browser, which is great for quick purchases.

Once in the software, open ‘Wall Decor'.

On the left you will see a guide to production and delivery times but don’t miss the tab underneath this that offers you a welcome voucher for first time purchases!

Selecting a finish

There are six finishes available, two styles of acrylic glass, two aluminium composites, one PVC foamboard and two stretched canvas, offered with or without a floating frame. Hover over each option for full details. If you are simply looking for a print on paper that you can frame yourself, switch to the Posters or Fine Art tabs for a further range of options.

For the image I had selected, I thought a matte finish would work well, so I opted for the Alu-Dibond.

There are a range of sizes to select from, and prices shown are inclusive of VAT but exclude postage and packaging. You can select your mounting option at this stage, but you have the chance to adjust this before you checkout.

It's time to create your work of art!

Once all your selections have been made, hit the design button on the bottom right. Then it’s just a matter of navigating to your chosen image and dragging it onto the canvas. Any minor adjustments can be made at this stage, but my image was ready to go, so I just popped it into the shopping cart.

Review and purchase

Simply complete your delivery details and payment method and make your purchase! You will be emailed a confirmation of your order with a link to access the Order Management Area, as well as details of how to contact customer support should you need to.

Wait for the postman........

My order arrived after about five days, and came well packaged and protected against any transit damage. The item needs to be signed for, so keep an eye on the delivery status to be sure someone is home. It would be good if Saal sent an ‘out for delivery’ email, but I didn’t receive any warning and, as the package arrived a day or two ahead of the estimated date, it was lucky I was about to receive it.

The verdict:

Once again, I am not disappointed with the result, and there is little to criticise with regard to the service. The software is very easy to use, and for a single image wall hanging, I had managed the whole process within a matter of a few minutes. The print quality is excellent, and the range of colours is very accurate to the original picture. The wall mountings and spacers are packaged separately, and need to be positioned and attached using the peel-off sticky pads - perhaps the cost of these, at £10.95, is a little steep for a component that would only cost pennies to produce. Maybe next time, I will check my local hardware store or Amazon, and consider buying these separately.

Visit Saal-Digital.co.uk