Sideshow's recommendation was my first idea and the basement is on a slab so yes, I would have to float it off the floor. (there is a small section that is exposed wall where the stairs are built off of and that is how they did it)
I was hopping to be cheap but don't want to ruin the insulation/vapor barrier.
I may just do that to avoid any long term headaches.
The whole run is about 16 feet so probably about $50 in 2x4s.
Followup question-if I built the wall, do a just smash it up against the vapor barrier/insulation?
I'll have to ponder over the next few weeks.
Open to any all suggestions though...