N.Y. Multiple Dwelling Law § 55: Wainscoting

§ 55. Wainscoting. 1. Whenever the surface of walls, partitions or

ceilings in any apartment or suite of rooms of any non-fireproof

multiple dwelling is covered, sheathed or wainscoted wholly or in part

after April eighteenth, nineteen hundred twenty-nine, such covering

shall be backed solidly with plaster. In fireproof multiple dwellings

such covering shall be backed solidly and continuously or filled with

incombustible material. In the case of walls and partitions in

fireproof dwellings, such backing and filling shall extend to the

fireproof floor construction and in non-fireproof dwellings to the floor

beams. All such backing and filling shall be fire-stopped.

2. No wood wainscoting other than fireproofed wood complying with the

provisions of section fifty-eight shall be erected in any public hall,

stair or shaft of any multiple dwelling.