Tiling shower walls and ceiling

[b smith]

I am in the process of changing out a bathtub for a whirlpool with a shower.
The wall is currently sheet-rocked. It is not the water resistant type as the house is 30 years old. I am planning to tile the walls and possibly the ceiling once the whirlpool is installed. Should I remove the sheet-rock and screw the cement board directly to the studs or should I leave the sheet-rock and screw the cement board on top of it. Should I seal the seams with silicon? Also, what type of waterproof tile, adhesive, and grout should I use. I have tiled a floor before, but never a bathroom wall.
Bren

[Houston Remodeler]

Bren

Welcome to the forum.

You're on the right track. Drywall isn't waterproof. Neither is cement board (aka CBU) You'll need to pick which waterproofing method you wish to use so we can answer your questions. If you pick a surface applied fabric such as kerdi, or a surface applied liquid such as Hydroban, you'll get one set of answers. If you pick a sheet plastic behind the CBU you'll get another.

If you research the Library, linked above in the blue bar under "shower construction methods" and do a bunch of reading you'll find which works best for you. Also, if you tell us where you live we can help you find locally available materials.

[cx]

Welcome, Bren.

You'll also wanna ensure that your "whirlpool" has a tiling flange on it and is designed for your intended purpose. Most such tubs are not designed to be use with a shower, but some are.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[Scottish Tile and Stone]

Just not picturing a whirlpool shower combo?.. Is this the same as a standard tub, but with jets?