Adding shower to bathtub

I want to add a shower to my existing bathtub. What do I need to put on the wall surrounding the tub to protect the sheetrock from water damage. Should I tile the walls or install a fiber glass enclosure? Any info will be appreciated!

If you want tile, tear the drywall off, install a vapor barrier, then cement board and then tile. Check out www.johnbridge.com for help with tiling.

A fiberglass tub surround typically can't be fitted to a tub that isn't designed for it so you'll have problems with the seal with the tub. You don't want drywall on the walls if you are going to use the area as a shower. Might be possible, but not likely.

Also note, if the tub is a drop in, designed for use on a deck, there are other things you need to do to keep water from making a mess of things.

surround

A 3 or 5 piece surround will make a water tight enclosure, at least for a little while. They are notorious for coming loose from the walls or leaking at the seams if not sealed properly. A proper tile job becomes a major remodel project if the walls were not designed to be moisture proof, although a tub area is ALWAYS subject to moisture so it might already have the proper, or adequate, wall material.