Flooring Tile - tiling over tub: rip out the sheetrock first?

The wall over the whirpool tub has been tiled half way to the ceiling. There's sheetrock above the tiles. The tub has a hand-held shower head attached to a wired hose. I'd like to mount the showerhead on a hook to make it permanent and tile the wall the rest of the way to the ceiling. Will I need to rip out the sheetrock before installing the cement board, or could I install the cement board over the sheetrock? If that would work, the tiles on the cement board would then protrude over the tiles that are already there. Would I then grout and seal the gap that would run along between the protruding tiles and the tiles that are already there? This is an exterior wall, so there may be insulation between the studs.

I've looked at splash guards as an alternative to tiling, but none of the splash guards I've found match the measurements I'd need.

Thanks for any suggestions.

If all you want to do is mount the the shower head using a hook why not drill holes in the location where you want it and use some wall anchores? Don't make more work for yourself. Just becareful when drilling into the wall, you want to avoid wires and pipes.

Welcome to the forums. If you are intent on tiling to the ceilng, first make sure you can duplicate the tile. You will have to remove the sheetrock and install 1/2" tile backer. That way, the tile will be reasonably flush to the existing wall.

You should be able to tile the wall on the sheet rock above the existing tile without problem. You may need to rough up the surface of the sheet rock depending the the paint that was used.
This area of the wall will receive a minumum amount of water and should not be a problem. You could replace the sheet rock with "green board" if you have a problem or are uncertain. "green board" is sheet rock that is water proofed and designed for shower installations.
Cement board is unnecessary.

You should be able to tile the wall on the sheet rock above the existing tile without problem. You may need to rough up the surface of the sheet rock depending the the paint that was used.
This area of the wall will receive a minumum amount of water and should not be a problem. You could replace the sheet rock with "green board" if you have a problem or are uncertain. "green board" is sheet rock that is water proofed and designed for shower installations.
Cement board is unnecessary.

Can't take it any more.:wall:

Greenboard ISN'T waterproof and should NEVER be used in a wet area, it's a waste of money to use it anywhere anymore, it's also against code to use it in a shower or wet area, show me where it's waterproofed, would love to see that info.:thumbdn:

Remove the drywall and install 1/2 CBU over a vapor barrier, if there is insulation between the studs, cut slits in the facing so it will breath.:)

Hi guys. Since everyone only suggest to remove the wallboard above the tile and add a cbu aren't we defeating the purpose? What about the tile that is already set? What if it is laid on sheetrock?

If the tiled area is set on a cbu, why not just paint the area with a waterproofing membrane such as redgard and just tile over it. It might cost a little more but would require less work.