This can't be normal. We had new hardwood installed and finished with 3 coats of traffic. But, around most every corner (outside or inside corner) it almost feels rough, less sanded or something. It's rougher to the touch, like the grain is coming through.

Does that mean they didn't sand in the corners? Or is it something with the finish coats? It's hard to see with the clothed eye, but you definitely feel it. It's also a little less shiny in those spots.

** One other thing - they left a few spots unfilled with filler (gouges/wormhole type things). Can those be filled at this point, or would you need to fill/sand/seal again?

Thanks so much - $4k into this and we want it right. Some of the other problems: 1) They left the baseboards on so you can almost see a little slope where the sander could get only so-close to them, and there is finish splashed up on the baseboards all over too.. 2) they pushed finish into a gap in the vents spilling finish into our basement! Dripped all over stuff

Hmmmm?? Sounds like an $8000 job, done by the $4000, guys.

Let's see some pictures.

The roughness issue really isn't visible. You can definitely feel it though, which is why I'm wondering if it's more about the finish coats not making it into the corners (like they were lazy with the broom thing you push the finish around with).

Pricewise, we got 3 estimates and all were about the same price.

Sounds like the corners weren't hand-buffed in between finish coats. Or corners weren't hand-sanded after being scraped.

What could be done at this point? Do they need to sand and add one more coat?

Also - can you fill gouges at this point? They left a gouge/wormhole in one of the wood pieces unfilled and it's almost sharp to my feet.

Yes it can be buff (properly this time) and then coated again. The holes/gouges can possibly be filled with color putty before the buff and coat.

If I had some pics I could be more specific.

what kind of wood and how many sq ft ?

for the holes, you could use prefinished wood filler. But it sounds like you need to get those guys back to do another coat for you. They will be able to fill, hand sand and abrade your entire floor before applying another coat, which would take care of your problems. The sanding imperfection is "as-is" at this point.