How to Install Drywall Around a Tub Surround

The walls above and around your bathtub are known collectively as the surround, because they surround the tub to form a barrier that keeps the moisture relatively confined to that area. If you are planning on tiling the surround, or putting up a one-piece unit, you should have a moisture-proof base underneath. When you drywall tub surrounds, the method generally is the same as any other drywalling, except you want to use wet rock, which is a specially treated drywall that is more moisture resistant than regular drywall.

1/2-inch “wetrock” drywall
Tape measure
Level
Pencil
Razor knife
Screw gun
Galvanized drywall screws
Drywall saw
Paper drywall tape
Joint compound
Drywall knife
Drywall sander

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the first wall behind the tub horizontally from end to end.
- 2
  Cut a piece of wetrock drywall to that length. Make the cut by setting the piece on its long (8-foot) side, setting a T-square at the point where you want it cut, running a razor knife along the square to score the piece and then bending it until it snaps in two.
- 3
  Set the drywall against the wall above the tub. Drive galvanized drywall screws every six inches along each stud behind the piece using the screw gun, making sure to countersink the screw heads so they do not protrude.
- 4
  Repeat the process for the rest of the wall and the other walls, stacking the drywall sheets above each other up the walls. Cut out holes for the plumbing fixtures as needed using the drywall saw.
- 5
  Spread joint compound over each seam with a drywall knife, making a line of compound about four inches wide. Press your paper drywall tape into the compound. Spread additional compound over each piece of tape with your drywall knife. Also cover the screw holes. Keep the compound layer thin and flat, and just wide enough to cover the tape.
- 6
  Let the compound set for 6 hours. Spread on a second layer of compound, making the seam about 2 inches wider.
- 7
  Let the compound set 6 hours. Add a third coat, again making the seam about 2 inches wider.
- 8
  Let the third coat set for 12 hours. Sand it smooth with a drywall sander. The wall is ready for tile or other covering.

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