The three walls around the inset bathtub area are collectively called the "surround." It's usually tiled or covered with plastic or fiberglass sheets to protect against moisture, but the walls themselves still should be moisture-resistant. Regular drywall softens and crumbles with moisture, so you should use wetrock---also called "greenboard"---which is a form of drywall that's treated with oil. It's installed just like drywall, directly over the wall studs. (Note: If there will be a shower in the area, use cement board instead of wetrock.)
Instructions
1. Stretch the tape measure across the width of the longest wall behind the tub, getting the measurement from end to end.
2. Transfer the measurement to a piece of wetrock, using a pencil and level. Run a razor knife alongside the level to score it. Bend the wetrock until it snaps at the line.
3. Set the cut piece against the wall studs, sitting right behind the rim of the tub. Shoot galvanized screws every six or eight inches along each stud behind the board.
4. Repeat the process to hang the next sheet of wetrock above the first one. Hang a third if necessary (for unusually high ceilings).
5. Measure, cut and hang wetrock for the other two walls. Use a jigsaw to cut out holes for the fixtures. Cover all the wall space.
6. Press drywall tape over each seam between the wetrock boards. Set corner bead in the inner and outer corners, setting it with screws.
7. Spread joint compound over each piece of tape and corner bead, using a drywall knife. Cover the screw holes as well.
8. Let the compound set for six to eight hours. Spread on two more layers of compound, making each slightly wider than the one before it. Let the final layer dry for 12 hours.
9. Use a drywall sander to sand the seams flat. The wall is now ready for tile or other covering.
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