I have shavings on the bottom and carpeting on the top. Every time they would run up to the top level they would get shavings up there. The shavings stick to the carpeting, very hard to get off. Also the piggies would eat the carpeting. I bought a cotton quilt crib blanket and cut out pieces to cover the carpet. So far so good and it looks nicer also. I think I have redecorated their cage at least 50 times within the last week. I just built it so I'm trying to get it right.